Ron Garl is golf's most underrated great architect

I love to just head out to a course, golf, drink some beers, oogle
at hot beer cart girls and not be forced to think.

But golf forces you to think. The game is so unique you can play the same course 100 times, yet great courses are designed to offer you something every time you play it.

Over the years, I have played a number of Ron Garl golf courses. I first heard his name five years ago and said, “Ron who?”

This man was named “Golf Designer of the Year” by International Network of Golf in 1996. He designs challenging courses that are also very environmentally friendly. But he also has a lot of creativity. Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club in Florida is a great residential golf course.

I like his courses because he challenges the golfer to think and strategize. I enjoy doing that after I oogle at the beer babe.

I enjoy his monthly columns here at TravelGolf.com. People play golf courses and buy homes on golf courses based on the big names of Fazio, Palmer, Nicklaus and others. Ron Garl is a man many of you have hardly heard of. And there are many other course designers who are not household names who deserve praise. EM me and let me know of any others that deserve some love.

Ron Garl has indeed designed some wonderful courses, particularly Victoria Hills in Deland, FL, but I'm confused about your comment regarding his 16 courses on Golfweek's "America's best golf courses" list: Golfweek issues an America's Best 100 Modern Courses list and an America's Best 100 Classic Courses list, and I can't find any Garl courses on either. Care to elaborate? Also, maybe you could recommend for your readers some of the better Garl courses they should look for, and exactly what sets them apart.

Crown Golf Properties' Northdale Golf & Tennis Club stands out as one of Ron Garl's finest in Tampa and a great home for golf value. Join as a CrownClub member (free) and you can reap your rewards in golf and more.
www.northdalegolf.com

But then there are the Lane Marshall's of the world as well. Check out Lansbrook Golf Club's outstanding design and layout. www.lansbrook-golf.com for more info on his course.

What does oogle have to do with girls? Do you mean "ogle"? Garl is tremendous; check out his north-of-the-border masterpiece at Taboo in the Muskoka region of Ontario (http://www.muskokasands.com/intro.php)

Awww, shucks. I went to Wake Forest, so I speak a bit of southern. Things like y'all and we'uns, but I also dabble in West Virginny and Pennsylvania. On truly exotic days, I put to the test my ontarian and venture north. I'm pretty certain, however, that a good ogle causes one to emit a satisfied oogle. Peace out, RB

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